Kevin Littleboy
Kevin Littleboy
Kevin Littleboy farms
243ha (600 acres) as
Howe Estates at Howe,
Thirsk, North Yorks. The
medium sandy loam in
the Vale of York supports
potatoes, winter wheat,
rape and barley, plus
grass for sheep
IT is that time of the year again and my most meaningful relationship has begun. I am once again married to the Irritator and isnt it well named. I curse, shout and swear at it and it doesnt do what I want and has a mind of its own – par for the course really.
At Cereals 2002 I was bemused by the trade alliance announced by CPBTwyford and Grainfarmers co-op. They have set up a 15t/ha (6t/acre) club challenge. May I ask what is wrong with arable farmers in the north, especially, of course, Yorkshire? DEFRA production statistics usually show that Yorkshire and Humberside have the highest yield. I suppose someone has to bring the southern wheat growers up to Yorkshire standards, so congratulations to CPBs John Blackman, you have a formidable task ahead.
Farming can no longer be accused of being staid and old-fashioned as at Cereals there were flashes of pink everywhere. Very worrying I would suggest. After disclosing all your details to Bayer at Cereals, they very kindly gave you a "pink umbrella". When I said to a member of Bayers staff: "If you think I am walking about with that pink thing you must be off your trolley," I saw two farmers look down at their newly acquired umbrellas, shake their head, then lean them against the tent and walk away, much to my amusement.
Also at Cereals I became acutely aware that I must have become a tad fatter around the midriff. On visiting various stands and being offered a drink or two, I was promptly handed "diet" cokes. So much for wooing ones future customers.
The Great Yorkshire Show, the best English agricultural show, takes place on July 9-11 at Harrogate. A must-attend event for all northern farmers and associated industries and the general public will be entertained to the best of Yorkshire hospitality. Sheep are included for all three days, something the society has gone to enormous lengths to make possible and to the benefit of all the industry. *
Kevin Littleboy is married to the Irritator again, but at least it hasnt offered him a diet coke.